How to Use a Public Library

Co-authored by Ted Coopersmith, MBA

Last Updated: February 5, 2024 References

Libraries are incredible! Not only do they collect and store the wealth of human knowledge and make it easily accessible to anyone who needs it, but there’s a ton you can use a public library for that you may not have even realized. Did you know that your library can help you plant a garden, file your taxes, or learn a new language? Well, it’s true! Check out this list of some of the many things super cool things you can do at your local library.

1

Get yourself a library card.

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It’s the first step into accessing a wide range of services. Having fun isn’t hard if you’ve got a library card! You’ll need one in order to use your library to do things like borrow books and access online resources. It’s also super easy to get one—simply visit your local branch and ask for one. You’ll need some form of ID and proof of address to show that you live in the area and your librarian will be able to get you one right there on the spot.^{[1]
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Kim Gillingham, MA
Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University

Expert Interview. 15 May 2019.}
- Some libraries may allow you to request a library card online so check out their website to see if you can.
- For ID, you can use your driver’s license, government ID, or even a school ID. You can often use a utility bill or your lease to show your proof of residence.
- Insurance cards also qualify as valid ID.^{[3]
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  Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University
  
  Expert Interview. 15 May 2019.}
- If you don’t live in the area, you may be able to use a non-resident card or access library services as a guest. Talk to the branch librarian to see how you can do it.
- Minors will need to have a parent or guardian sign their application, though some libraries allow young adults (ages 16-17) apply for a card on their own with a valid ID.^{[4]
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  Kim Gillingham, MA
  Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University
  
  Expert Interview. 15 May 2019.}

2

Ask your librarian for help finding something.

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They can assist with research and help you locate materials. You might be surprised at just how much librarians can do. Sure, they can help you find any books, movies, or anything else you’re looking for. But they’re also actually trained research assistants and can help you look up information, access databases, or find materials you can use. All you have to do is ask and they’ll be happy to assist.^{[5]
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Kim Gillingham, MA
Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University

Expert Interview. 15 May 2019.}
- Librarians can also help you look for jobs, fill out applications, register to vote, and even file your taxes. Seriously, librarians are superheroes. If there’s something they can’t help you with, they can likely point you to someone or somewhere that can.
- They can also help you out with your homework, too!

3

Enjoy the quiet rooms and cubicles.

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It’s a great space for working and learning. Bring a book or set up your laptop in one of the library's quiet study rooms. Some libraries may also cubicles you can use while you’re there as a sort of temporary office. Take advantage of the peace and quiet to get some work done, learn something, or simply enjoy a great read.^{[7]
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- You may need to reserve a cubicle ahead of time, so check with your librarian.
- Some libraries may even offer whole rooms you can reserve to work in.

4

Access the internet for free.

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Libraries offer public computers and wifi you can use. Use your library card number to log on to one of the public computers or ask a librarian to help you access one. You can also use your card information in order to access and use wireless internet (wi-fi) if your library offers it. Look up information, send some emails, check out social media, or just surf the net!^{[8]
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- There may be a time limit for how long you can access a public computer, so just keep that in mind.

5

Read newspapers and magazines.

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You can look through past editions as well as the latest ones. Most libraries have subscriptions to many of the major national and local newspapers and magazines, so you can flip through the latest ones. You can also check out the database and collections your library maintains to read previous editions or to even look through historical ones. Ask your librarian about how you can access the collections.^{[9]
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- For instance, you may be able to look through microfilms of newspapers and magazines from decades or even a hundred years ago!
- You can also read the latest New York Times or Washington Post without having to get a subscription of your own simply by going to the library.

6

Have fun at scheduled programs and events.

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Many libraries offer a wide variety for you to enjoy. Some libraries hold author nights where a writer comes in to talk about their latest book or project and you can buy their work (they might even sign it for you). Your library may also offer programs such as storytime for children, gaming clubs or karaoke for teens, and classes and lectures for adults that could be on a variety of topics like meditation or life skills. Take a look at what your library has to offer and check out anything that looks interesting to you!^{[10]
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- Most libraries keep a calendar of scheduled events and programming so you can take a look through them.

7

Check out seeds to plant at home.

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Some libraries have a seed bank you can look through. Yes, it’s true! While libraries can plant the seeds of knowledge in people’s minds, they can also help you plant seeds of your own—literally. Some libraries keep a collection of seed packets that you can check out and take home to plant. Ask your librarian if your branch has a seed bank. If they do, take a look at what they’ve got and take home whatever you’d like to try to grow.
- You can try growing some veggies, herbs, peppers, flowers, or whatever you like!
- There might be a limit for how many seed packets you can take home.

8

Borrow books, movies, music, and more.

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There are a ton of things you can check out and enjoy. It’s no small secret that you can borrow books from libraries, which is super great, but did you know there are other things you can borrow? You can check out DVDs, CDs, and sometimes even toys! Find the items that appeal to you and take them to a librarian at the front desk. They’ll check it out for you and you’re all set.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Kim Gillingham, MA
Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University

Expert Interview. 15 May 2019.}
- Most books can be borrowed for 3 weeks at a time, but movies and music may be a bit shorter. For instance, you may only be able to borrow a DVD for a week at a time.
- You can also request books through your library’s website and they’ll place them on hold so all you have to do is pick them up!

9

Rent e-books and e-audiobooks through remote services.

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Download an app or access them through the website. If you have an e-reader, log in to the library’s remote or digital services using your library card. Take a look at what’s available and borrow what you like. You’ll be able to read or listen to it for a period of time and usually, it’ll automatically be returned once your time is up.^{[12]
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- Some libraries also have apps you can download and use to check out e-books and audiobooks so you can read or listen to them on your phone or tablet.
- You may even be able to borrow and stream digital media such as movies and music through your library’s website or app.

10

Extend your loans if you need more time.

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If no one has requested the item, it should be fine. If your books or other materials from the library are just about due, simply request to extend your loan and you can keep them for a few more weeks. If someone else has requested the item, you may need to return it and request to have it again once it’s available.^{[13]
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- You may not be able to extend your loan for some items such as movies.

11

Request items that aren’t available in your branch.

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Another library in the system may have it. If you can’t find something like a book or movie in your branch, ask your librarian to look it up and see if another library in the system has it. If it does, you can request it and it’ll be brought to your library so you can pick it up! You may even be able to request items through an inter-library loan, which means you can request them from across the country.^{[14]
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- You may need to wait a few days or weeks for the items to arrive after you request them.

12

Check out the online resources your library offers.

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You can access classes, tutorials, market research, and other resources. Use your library card to log in to your library’s online resources. You can access them at your local branch or log in to your library’s website from home (or anywhere else). Look through the free lectures, classes, and other programs available and access any of them that interest you.^{[15]
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- For instance, you may be able to learn how to use a program like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Powerpoint for free.
- You can also take advantage of courses that teach you about subjects like entrepreneurship, starting a business, or saving for retirement.
- Most public and university libraries have databases that provide access to scholarly articles.^{[16]
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  Kim Gillingham, MA
  Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University
  
  Expert Interview. 15 May 2019.}

13

Learn a new language.

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Log in to your library’s online resources to see what language learning services they offer. Your library may also have clubs or programming where people get together to learn and study a language. Ask your librarian what resources they offer to help you learn a new language and get started!

14

Look through digital collections.

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Many libraries maintain collections of old photographs, maps, historic prints, and even manuscripts. You can use them for genealogical or any other type of research. Log in to your library’s system to access them remotely so you can check them out from wherever you are!^{[17]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Do we need to stay quiet in the library?

Kim Gillingham, MA
Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University
Kim Gillingham is a retired library and information specialist with over 30 years of experience. She has a Master's in Library Science from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and she managed the audiovisual department of the district library center in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for 12 years. She continues to do volunteer work for various libraries and lending library projects in her local community.

Kim Gillingham, MA

Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University

Expert Answer

Not necessarily! These days, quiet in the library is not nearly as important as it was in previous decades. Now, you'll find movies, interactive story times, and town hall meetings all happening at your local library. For those who need a quiet place to study, many public and most academic libraries have quiet areas.

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Question

How do you take care of library materials?

Kim Gillingham, MA
Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University
Kim Gillingham is a retired library and information specialist with over 30 years of experience. She has a Master's in Library Science from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, and she managed the audiovisual department of the district library center in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for 12 years. She continues to do volunteer work for various libraries and lending library projects in her local community.

Kim Gillingham, MA

Master's Degree, Library Science, Kutztown University

Expert Answer

Treat the book the way you would your favorite book. Make sure that your hands are clean when you're handling it, and don't eat or drink while reading. Also, keep all library materials away from small children and pets.

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How are books arranged?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Works of fiction are arranged by the author's last name in alphabetical order. Non-fiction books are arranged by topic, typically using the Dewey Decimal System as written on the spines of the books.

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Tips

One of the great things about libraries is how hard librarians work to put together programming and provide the best services possible. Ask your local librarians what they have available and they’ll be more than happy to tell you all about it!

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If you don’t have a library card, you may be able to access a library’s public computers as a guest. Just ask a librarian for help.

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Warnings

If you damage or break something you borrow from the library, you may have to pay a small fee to replace it, so try to take care of everything you check out!

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